Sports supplements are used by many athletes across the world for various reasons. Most of these supplements are weight loss products, although some are used for improving overall body condition and functionality. This article briefly discusses various supplements and which one is the best choice for you. Hopefully this will help you make your decision on what to buy.
One of the most popular sports supplements around is protein. Protein is perhaps the most important nutrient for building muscle and leading a healthy lifestyle. Sports nutrition is the process and research of diet and nutrition, particularly with regards to enhancing anyone’s sporting performance. Nutrition is also an essential part of numerous sports training regimens, especially being equally popular in endurance sports and strength sports.
It has been proven that sports supplements can be highly effective for building muscle mass and losing excess body fat for active adults. Of course, there are a number of different supplements available for athletic performance and general health maintenance among adults. Some popular options include protein powders, shakes, bars, smoothies, cereals and energy drinks. Protein is also a good option for restoring depleted glycogen levels in the body and is often used in conjunction with carbohydrates. In fact, some athletes combine carbohydrate intake with protein in an attempt to maximize the effects of both ingredients. Carbohydrates are certainly an option for athletes who are looking for a high level of energy and nutrients without loading the body with extra fat.
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in red meat, fish and dairy foods, and more specifically in the kidneys, pancreas and liver. Long-term creatine use can lead to the accumulation of toxic waste in the kidneys and can have negative effects on kidney function. Fortunately, studies show that taking sports supplements such as creatine has helped athletes to improve performance and prevent injuries by helping to restore electrolyte balance within the body.
A healthy diet and regular exercise will do much to improve overall health. However, a healthy diet alone is not enough to reach and maintain optimal physical condition. Often, healthy diet and regular exercise have become too much for some people to handle. In this case, sports supplements can provide the added boost athletes need to make progress toward their goals.
Creatine monohydrate is one popular sports supplements among athletes. This substance helps the body to produce ATP, the fuel for muscle contraction and function. The body produces ATP as it stores sugar for future energy requirements. Studies show that ingesting supplemental creatine over a period of time can help athletes push through exhaustion and extend their workouts by providing additional energy for more intense workouts.
Athletes should consider a healthy diet and a regular workout routine to reach their goals. However, in some cases additional supplementation may be necessary to help an athlete to train longer and increase their levels of performance. In these cases, sports supplements such as creatine monohydrate can make a big difference. By using a quality sports supplement to give your body the extra boost it needs to get through the tough training without any negative side effects, you can get the edge over your competitors and increase your chances of winning.
Remember that dietary supplements may contain drugs or additives not listed on the label. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking any dietary supplement. Be sure to research the active ingredients included in the supplement to ensure you are getting the full therapeutic benefit. To learn more about the risks and benefits of dietary supplements, register for a free copy of “The Sports Supplement Answer Book.”
